A Study of Brilliance exhibited by Lead Crystal Glasses

JSGT 1935 V19 T125-T138

Thirteen specimens of cut crystal glass ware have been examined for general appearance, chemical composition and angle of cut. The decoloriser where employed appeared in all cases to be manganese: in three specimens, only arsenic was found and in two, traces of nickel were present in addition to manganese, but no other decolorisers were found. The angles of cutting differed greatly. British samples had the widest angle, partly accounting for the lack of high internal reflection and apparent brilliance such as was secured by the narrow angle of cut of a Belgian piece. Proofs taken from melts at various times during the working of a pot and examined for iron oxide content supported previous experience and results in showing an increase of the iron oxide content on standing. Examination of the cut and polished surfaces under the microscope made it possible to criticise the care with which the cutting and polishing processes had been carried on.

Eric Preston, A. J. Holland & W. E. S. Turner